20" LCD Monitors Roundup. Part V. Page 13

This article continues our series of reviews of 20” LCD monitors. Today we are going to discuss 9 models from Acer, Asus, Dell, Samsung and NEC using mostly TN matrix technology. Let’s find out what the market prospects of TN matrix in general are and how successful the reviewed models turned out to be.

Samsung SyncMaster 2032BW

We published a preview of this monitor some time ago – that was a presale sample of the product. Now it’s time to check out the final version that is now available in retail.

At last we’ve got something different from the models discussed above. Yes, it is a TN matrix as well, but it features Response Time Compensation technology. The declared contrast ratio is high – and it is the static contrast. The dynamic contrast ratio of the 2032BW is three times that value at 3000:1 (as you know from our reviews, it means that in the dynamic contrast mode the monitor can adjust the backlight brightness threefold depending on the currently displayed image).

The monitor’s exterior represents a continuation and development of the series that began with the SyncMaster 932B model: black glossy plastic, sleek shapes, a smooth outline. The monitor is elegant and differs for the better from typical computer devices.

Like all other things made from glossy black plastic, the SyncMaster 2032BW gets dirty just too easily. Every touch leaves a fingerprint on it while regular cleaning will eventually result in a web of small, barely visible scratches.

The exterior coating of the matrix is matte rather than glossy. As I could see with the 961BF and 961BG models, Samsung’s developers are aware that some people do not like the glossy screen. That’s why the company turned out two versions of the same model differing with the type of the matrix coating only.

The stand has an original fastening mechanism: it is just inserted with effort into the rubberized groove in the bottom of the case. So, you just push the case down on the stand to assemble the monitor and pull the two away from each other to dissemble it.

This stand looks like an organic part of the whole monitor, but its functionality is limited. It only allows to adjust the tilt of the screen, and in a rather small range. The stand cannot be replaced with a VESA mount because the monitor doesn’t offer fasteners for the latter.

The monitor is equipped with digital and analog inputs. The connectors can be found in the recess of the back panel – there is no decorative cover there.

The monitor’s control buttons are placed on the bottom edge of the case. They are labeled on the slightly protruding bezel of the front panel. The labels are painted gray, slightly lighter than the color of the case, yet visible. You can find and press the buttons easily.

This is a standard menu of Samsung monitors. It is logical and user-friendly, remembering the option you changed last. As for additional options, it offers the MagicColor mode (increases color saturation; you should not enable this feature if you prefer accurate color reproduction), the option of disabling Response Time Compensation, and the option of adjusting the brightness of the Power indicator.

This indicator is designed like a circle around the Power button. Many users of earlier Samsung monitors complained not at its brightness but that the indicator would begin to blink irritatingly in sleep mode. Here, you can reduce the brightness to zero and the indicator won’t show up in sleep mode, either.